2005 Argyle Cowhouse Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon

[wondersofwine]

I ordered this along with a Brut Rose' sparkling wine back in February. Only 104 cases produced. 14% alcohol Screwcap closure (Argyle is owned by Petaluma, an Australian company, and has been using screwcaps for awhile.) $50 from the winery

Ruby color if backlit; more purple-red looking down into the glass. Exhibits viscosity.
Nose of Damson plums, cedar, and also a scent that reminds me of a pipe tobacco my father once favored (a cherry liqueur type.)
Flavors of plum, boysenberry, cedar and spice (cinnamon and nutmeg) come together in an attractive meld. I was licking my lips after sipping. With exposure to air, the wood integrates and mellows into a nice mouthful of Pinot Noir.
This went well with wild mushroom bisque but could also complement duck or other fowl with a fruit sauce. It exceed my expectations.
After keying in my impressions I looked it up on the Argyle website. Their description emphasizes black cherry rather than plum or boysenberry (that cherry liqueur tobacco I was sensing) but also mentions cedar spice so I think I agree in part with their description. They also mention that 2005 was a particularly challenging vintage as it remained cooler and less sunny than usual in both September and October, but waiting out a late harvest allowed the winery to pick ripe grapes and is the sort of vintage on which Argyle thrives.

[dananne]

Sounds great, and thanks for the notes. Quick question, if you don't mind -- How does it compare to the Nuthouse?

[wondersofwine]

Not sure I've had the Nuthouse Pinot NOir

[wondersofwine]

Dananne,
Just got the notice about release of Nuthouse Pinot Noir ($60 per bottle with discount for half-case or full case.) I was going to buy a bottle or two but usually don't care for "blueberry" in Pinot.

Winery notes:

Buy the 2005 Nuthouse Pinot Noir now!
Read the Nuthouse Pinot Noir Tasting Notes:
The aroma is tumescent with BLUEBERRY fruit! Blended with this wonderful robust blue fruit one can find Moroccan spices, a hint of butterscotch, and believe it or not a sense of gravel earthiness.

As the aroma implies and promises, the flavor is concentrated blueberry and blackberry juice, which aids integration of nice spice flavored French oak. The palate is rich, creamy, and super juicy! This whopper of a wine seems to have everything. Rocky earthiness, black forest cake, and a surprise raspberry to red cherry flavor in the long finish.

[dananne]

Thanks for the info!